Storm brewing at Unam over ‘partisan’ political activity ban
A storm is brewing at the University of Namibia (Unam), amid accusations that the institution is stifling civil liberties by banning basic political engagements of some political actors on its campuses while allowing activities for others.
A directive was issued on Monday by the university’s pro vice-chancellor for finance and administration, Ellen Namhila, and is seen by many as targeting the opening ceremony of the Affirmative Repositioning Students Command (ARSC), slated for 17:30 this evening. AR chief activist Dr Job Amupanda is an invited guest at the event.
Today, Amupanda and fellow Unam academics Rui Tyitende, Dr Ellison Tjirera and Professor Lesley Blaauw wrote a letter to Namhila, warning her to “refrain from turning a once prestigious university into a 'mickey mouse' institution that glorifies and embraces intellectual docility”.
They further branded her directive as "unconstitutional".
Since their letter started circulating on campus, more academics, including law lecturer Dr John Nakuta and school of humanities lecturer Dr Basilius Kasera, have thrown their support behind their four colleagues, asking to be added as signatories to the letter to Namhila. “We cannot allow this to continue unabated,” Nakuta wrote in an email.
A directive was issued on Monday by the university’s pro vice-chancellor for finance and administration, Ellen Namhila, and is seen by many as targeting the opening ceremony of the Affirmative Repositioning Students Command (ARSC), slated for 17:30 this evening. AR chief activist Dr Job Amupanda is an invited guest at the event.
Today, Amupanda and fellow Unam academics Rui Tyitende, Dr Ellison Tjirera and Professor Lesley Blaauw wrote a letter to Namhila, warning her to “refrain from turning a once prestigious university into a 'mickey mouse' institution that glorifies and embraces intellectual docility”.
They further branded her directive as "unconstitutional".
Since their letter started circulating on campus, more academics, including law lecturer Dr John Nakuta and school of humanities lecturer Dr Basilius Kasera, have thrown their support behind their four colleagues, asking to be added as signatories to the letter to Namhila. “We cannot allow this to continue unabated,” Nakuta wrote in an email.
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